18 alumni-led ventures accepted to Harvard Innovation Labs Startup Program

The Harvard Innovation Labs has welcomed 18 ventures into Launch Lab X GEO, a virtual startup program designed to help early-stage, Harvard alumni-led ventures grow into sustainable and disruptive businesses.

“The Harvard Innovation Labs is committed to supporting Harvard alumni innovators from around the world as they build the next generation of for- and nonprofit organizations across industries,” said Matt Segneri, Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Executive Director of the Harvard Innovation Labs. “Launch Lab X GEO takes a comprehensive, tailored approach to supporting alumni-led ventures — connecting them with the advising, resources, and community that can lay the foundation for scaling their businesses.”

Ventures accepted into LLX GEO, which come from nine Harvard schools, will participate in a six-month program based on five central pillars:

1. Knowledge sharing — From designing a product roadmap to defining culture, the Harvard Innovation Labs will connect LLX GEO venture teams with world-class experts and founders.
2. Founder talks — Teams will learn from leaders with incredible entrepreneurial stories. These talks will feature founders across industries and backgrounds who have built and scaled successful startups.
3. Leadership circles — Led by later-stage entrepreneurs and leaders within the Harvard Innovation Labs, these facilitated conversations allow founders to share their entrepreneurial challenges openly while also receiving frameworks and strategies to work though their challenges.
4. Pitch sessions — Venture teams will learn how to pitch in front of founders, investors, and peers, in both 1:1 and group environments.
5. President’s Innovation Challenge — In the spring of 2022, LLX GEO ventures will participate in the Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge, a competition designed to bring together the Harvard community to work on compelling solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.

“This year’s LLX GEO cohort is working on a wide range of products and services across industries, such as construction, cybersecurity, digital health, energy, fintech, nutrition, and real estate, to name a few,” said Thara Pillai, director of alumni programs and engagement at the Harvard Innovation Labs. “Regardless of industry, these founders are mission-driven while sharing the drive, curiosity, and compassion needed to build a thriving organization.”